Speed reduction, alerting, and logging system

ABSTRACT

A system for Speed Reduction, Alerting, and Logging is disclosed that determines a vehicle&#39;s location and the legal speed limit at any location, then alerts the driver when his or her speed passes a threshold relative to the speed limit. The speed limit and/or thresholds for alerts may be adjusted according to the type of vehicle, time of day, day of the week, date, or local weather conditions. Alerts may be provided through audible, visual, kinesthetic, olfactory, or other sensory means and may be activated individually or in combination. Alerts may be logged and reviewed for the purpose of helping improve the driver&#39;s driving habits, including through the use of a map display that shows geographical locations and the severity of alerts. Alerts may also be transmitted to an external organization. A provision for forcing a speed reduction of the vehicle in response to an alert is also included.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. ProvisionalApplication Ser. No. 61/189,879, filed on Aug. 25, 2008, and entitled“AUTOMATIC SPEEDING NOTIFICATION SYSTEM (ASPEN SYSTEM),” by inventorNeeraj Periwal, commonly assigned with the present application andincorporated herein by reference.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains materialwhich is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has noobjection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent documentor the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and TrademarkOffice patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyrightrights whatsoever.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to the field of automotive vehicles and systemsincorporated within and communicating with automotive vehicles forpurposes related to driver behavior, and to business and governmentorganizations that may interact with vehicle and driver-relatedinformation, and with drivers themselves.

BACKGROUND

In the current status quo, while many people understand the dangers oftraveling at high speeds (as well as realize the subsequent reductionsin fuel economy), a considerable percentage of these drivers do notactually reduce their speeds to comply with the proper speed limit lawsor adjust to their speeds appropriately in response to hazardous weatherconditions. This may be due to a few factors: either completeunawareness of the current speed limit, lack of vigilance (e.g. littleto no regulation by law enforcement agencies to ensure that drivers obeythe speed limit), or general feelings of apathy towards obeying the law.In any case, a speeding driver is a danger not only to himself orherself, but also to others around him or her. Furthermore, studies haveshown that speeding vehicles, especially on freeways, use much more fuelthan vehicles traveling at or below the normal speed limit, which canseverely impact the environment and economy. Finally, drivers who arenot reminded of their speeding habits will inevitably continue to speed.Therefore, a solution is needed to get drivers to adhere to a safe speedwhile driving by alerting them in a conspicuous manner of theirspeeding—and, if necessary, by forcibly reducing their vehicles' speeds.

Additionally, drivers who habitually speed often incur penaltiesrelative to their encounters with law enforcement agencies. Forinstance, in many states, speeding in excess of 20 mph over the speedlimit can not only produce an expensive speeding ticket, but may alsocause the driver's license to be suspended for a certain period of time.When this happens, the driver has no recourse but either to cease his orher driving activities or to break the law by continuing to drive. Ifthe commute to the driver's work location is substantial, or alternativecommuting methods are inconvenient, the driver may be placed in asubstantial predicament and his or her livelihood may be threatened.Furthermore, drivers currently have no means by which to review, andthereby improve, their driving habits, and/or to enable them to be morecautious in geographical areas where they are most vulnerable tospeeding infractions.

Moreover, drivers who habitually speed and incur an excessive number oftraffic tickets may also find their insurance premiums substantiallyincreased. Again, there is currently no recourse that can reverse thenegative effects of this penalty.

Thus, a speed reduction, alerting, and logging system is needed thatprovides improved feedback to a driver under a variety of conditions,reduces the vehicle's speed if necessary, logs data related to thedriver's speeding habits, allows the driver to review his or her overallspeeding habits in a useful way, and automatically transmits thisspeeding data to external entities such as law enforcement agencies andinsurance companies, in order to enable the driver to obtain some formof preferred treatment by those agencies or companies in exchange forthe reduction or elimination of speeding habits.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention described herein for a Speed Reduction, Alerting, andLogging System (hereinafter, SPIRAL System) solves the long-lastingproblem of drivers being ignorant of violating speed limits and therebypresenting a danger to themselves and the people around them. The systemalso enables drivers to improve their driving habits. Additionally, thesystem can enable drivers to automatically report their driving habitsto a remote agency or company in order to receive some benefit orpreference by doing so.

By including the functionalities of a location detection device (such asa GPS-equipped device) and a speed detector in concert with a speedlimit database management system, the present invention offers aninnovative solution to instantaneously notify drivers of the currentspeed limit and when they violate it, as well as a means by which theirspeeding violations can be logged and/or transmitted and their speedsreduced when necessary. This solution has been described to beconfigurable in many different ways. Many more variations of suchdevices and configurations are possible within the scope of the presentinvention.

Many other benefits, beyond the primary goal of safety, may be achievedthrough the use of the present invention. The analysis of speeding datamay be used to improve a person's driving habits and may be advantageousto a driver with regards to his or her dealings with law enforcementagencies and/or automobile insurance companies. Finally, studies haveconsistently shown that drivers who obey the speed limit save not justfuel and the environment, but save lives as well.

One object of the present invention is to help drivers obey speed limitlaws by alerting them when they drive over the speed limit, by helpingthem keep track of their speeding infractions, and by reducing theirvehicle's speed if necessary. An alert condition may result from thedriver exceeding the legal speed limit, or a modified adjusted oradvisory speed limit, on a particular segment of road. A driver isnotified through detectable signals if his or her vehicle exceeds thespecified speed limit of the particular segment of the road the vehicleis currently traversing. The system takes into account speed limits thatvary with the time of day, day of the week, or date, and also speedlimits that vary with the type of vehicle. The system may alert thedriver of his or her speed condition when the driver reaches the speedlimit or when he or she passes a preset threshold above or below thelegal speed limit. The system may provide the driver with the currentspeed limit of the road he or she is currently traversing. The systemmay also allow the driver to exceed the speed threshold for a temporaryperiod of time for a variety of reasons—for example, in order to allowthe driver to overtake another vehicle or to merge into traffic—withoutincurring an alert.

Another object of the present invention is to take into account localweather conditions either in the region where the vehicle is operatingor, better still, at the precise location of the vehicle, and to usethis information to adjust the alert thresholds relative to the postedspeed limit on the current road, and/or present an advisory speed limitto the driver that is reduced relative to the posted speed limit. If theSPIRAL System as implemented has the capability of presenting thecurrent posted speed limit, it may simultaneously display both theposted limit and weather-adjusted advisory limit to the driver.Determining weather conditions at a vehicle's location may be performedby means of a variety of sensors and/or sensing systems included in thevehicle and/or through the utilization of an online database updated inreal-time with which the vehicle-mounted system communicates, with saidonline database containing the current weather conditions (rain, sleet,snow, icing, high winds in certain directions, etc.) at the driver'sparticular location.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an indication oralert to the driver in several ways that ensure that the driver does notignore or miss a speed alert. These alert types include audio, visual,kinesthetic, olfactory, and other sensory means. Also included is theability for an alert notification indicator to vary in intensityaccording to the severity of the alert condition causing the alarm. Analert notification indicator may also vary in intensity in response tothe ambient conditions of the driver's environment.

Another object of the invention is to force a reduction in the speed ofthe vehicle should the vehicle reach a preset speed threshold at orrelative to the speed limit.

Another object of the invention is to log or record the driver'sbehavior relative to vehicle speeds and speed limits over a period oftime, and provide methods by which the driver's behavior may be examinedin order to improve the driver's driving habits and/or reduce theprobability of incurring an infraction. To this end, the degree to whicha driver obeys or does not obey legal speed limits in differentgeographical regions within the territory he or she normally drives inmay be displayed on a map in a manner that allows easy recognition ofplaces he or she normally tends to speed. This map may be presented in avariety of different ways.

Another object of the invention is to automatically log and report to anoutside agency or company via a remote data connection a driver'sbehavior relative to speeds and speed limits. There are a number ofscenarios where this may prove useful: for example, a driver may beprovided with a benefit or preference relative to his or herinteractions with outside entities such as law enforcement andgovernment organizations and/or insurance companies.

A commercial trucking company or any company that uses vehicles fortransporting goods or for other means (such as a taxi driving company)can use the SPIRAL System for monitoring its drivers to determine howsafe the drivers' driving habits are. Furthermore, companies that loanvehicles out to drivers (such as rental car companies) may use theSPIRAL System to monitor drivers as well as use alert condition logs todetermine the rental charges incurred by a driver. Beyond a certain age,individuals sometimes become ineligible to rent from some car rentalcompanies. The installation of the SPIRAL System on a rental car couldenable rental car companies that would normally not rent to elderlypersons beyond a certain age limit to allow elderly persons to rent withprobationary treatment as long as their driving habits—as logged andreported by the SPIRAL System—are within the limits of certain rules.When a driver's vehicle is equipped with the SPIRAL System, the drivermay also have his or her rental rates increased as a result of speedingbased on alert condition logs supplied by the System.

Relative to law enforcement agencies, the system described herein can beused to monitor a driver who is under a probationary status to determineif he or she is consistently driving in a safe manner, and thereforedeserves special considerations in return. One example of such aprobationary status might be a person whose driver's license has beensuspended for a severe moving violation, or multiple moving violations,but with proof of safe driving might be allowed to continue to drive aslong as he or she meets a set of probationary rules. This would allow aperson to keep driving when an inability to drive would cause severehardship to himself or herself or the driver's family. Anotherprobationary scenario might include a new driver who is operating undera learner's permit or a provisional, age-restricted license for youngpeople. Often these new drivers and/or young drivers are restricted tooperate with certain restrictions with regard to time of day and or thepresence of an appropriate licensed driver riding with them. If thesystem described herein is attached to new and/or young drivers'vehicles and is in communication with the local DMV (Department of MotorVehicles), it could be used to monitor the behavior of individualsoperating under a learner's permit or a provisional license andtherefore allow them more freedom given that they adhere to a set ofprobationary rules. It may also enable them to transition to a fulldriver's license at an earlier time. When their vehicle is equipped withthe SPIRAL System, a driver may also be issued tickets for speedingbased on alert condition logs supplied by the System.

When the SPIRAL System is present in a vehicle, law enforcement agenciescan use transmitted speed log information not only for initiating andmaintaining a probationary period, but could also use the speed loginformation for issuing warnings or even tickets. To facilitate theseprocesses, it may be useful to include a mechanism as part of or inconjunction with the SPIRAL System to identify the driver, such as afingerprint reader or a device that scans a driver's license. While thismay not necessarily identify the current driver of the car, it doesidentify that the probationary driver is most probably in the vehicleand is therefore allowed to be in control of the vehicle. A more complexsolution would include biometrics that can uniquely identify that thedriver in question is actually sitting behind the wheel. Such identityof a driver can be determined by the Driver Identification System.

To uniquely identify the car, it is possible to connect with the car'sOBD (On Board Diagnostic) connector on cars manufactured since 1982.This can provide electronic access to the VIN number of the car. The OBDinterface may provide other vehicle related information that can beuseful for the SPIRAL System.

Another age-related probationary process that can take advantage of theSPIRAL System involves the elderly. In some states and countries,drivers may lose their licenses after passing a certain age. Aprobationary process using the SPIRAL System can be implemented to allowelderly drivers to continue driving under probation. This may includenot only that they obey the speed limits, but that they also maintain arate of speed that safely keeps up with traffic.

Relative to insurance companies, the system described herein can logparameters indicating a driver's speeding behavior and automaticallyreport this data to an insurance company. In return, the insurancecompany may provide reduced premium rates for that individual. Regardingthe ability to mitigate restrictions or penalties imposed on a driverafter he or she has had speeding violations and/or accidents, thepresent invention may be used to monitor such a driver in a probationarysense, providing ongoing information to an insurance company regardingthe driver's safe driving behavior, thus enabling the driver to avoid anincrease in premiums as a result of an accident or moving violationrecord as long as he or she exhibits a pattern of driving behavior thatmeets certain requirements, such as obeying a set of probationary rulesfor complying with speed limits, properly reducing speeds in adverseweather conditions, or maintaining minimum speeds. Should a driverhabitually speed while being monitored by the SPIRAL System, theinsurance company may decide to increase the driver's premiums instead.

The SPIRAL System may also be used to report to government/DMV agenciesthe number of miles driven in a particular vehicle in addition to thedriving habits of the driver. Drivers may then be taxed (DMV renewal fora particular vehicle) according to the number of miles driven with aparticular vehicle, and also may have registration fee rate reductionson one or more vehicle(s) according to proof of safe driving providedthrough SPIRAL System data logs that have been automatically supplied tothe agency. When their vehicle is equipped with the SPIRAL System, adriver may also be issued tickets for speeding based on alert conditionlogs supplied by the System.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an overview of the problem and solution.

FIG. 2 shows the main components of the SPIRAL System and how they worktogether.

FIG. 2 a shows examples of records that may be stored in a speed limitdatabase.

FIG. 3 describes the operation of the speed limit database managementsystem.

FIG. 3 a shows an example result of a speed limit database query.

FIG. 4 shows one possible functional configuration of the SPIRAL System.

FIG. 5 shows one possible functional configuration of the SPIRAL System.

FIG. 6 shows one possible functional configuration of the SPIRAL System.

FIG. 7 shows one possible functional configuration of the SPIRAL System.

FIG. 8 shows one possible functional configuration of the SPIRAL System.

FIG. 9 shows one possible functional configuration of the SPIRAL System.

FIG. 10 shows one possible functional configuration of the SPIRALSystem.

FIG. 11 shows one possible functional configuration of the SPIRALSystem.

FIG. 12 shows one possible functional configuration of the SPIRALSystem.

FIG. 13 shows one possible functional configuration of the SPIRALSystem.

FIG. 14 shows one possible functional configuration of the SPIRALSystem.

FIG. 15 shows one possible functional configuration of the SPIRALSystem.

FIG. 16 shows one possible functional configuration of the SPIRALSystem.

FIG. 17 shows an example of a map display providing annotated feedbackto the driver. In this case, the figure shows areas where the driver hasexceeded the speed limits by the degrees shown.

FIG. 18 shows the flow of possible interactions between a driver anddifferent examples of external organizations whereby interactions arefacilitated by the SPIRAL System.

FIG. 19 shows a flow chart for one possible interaction scenario betweena driver and an external organization whereby interactions arefacilitated by the SPIRAL System.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 provides a high-level view of the problem and the solutionprovided by the SPIRAL System. The SPIRAL System 101 interfaces with avehicle 102 which may at times be speeding. The SPIRAL System accesses adatabase providing speed limits on different roads 103. The SPIRALSystem furthermore interfaces with the driver 104 of the vehicle, andmay also interface with an external organization 105 with which thedriver may interact.

FIG. 2 shows a high level description of the main components thatcomprise the SPIRAL System. It should be understood that while theseitems are referred to as components, that they may exist either asphysical components or as logical functionalities that may be includedor combined in a single physical component. To the extent they exist asseparate physical components, they may be combined and packaged indifferent manners and still fall within the scope of this specification.A description of these components/functionalities follows:

-   -   A GPS (Global Positioning System) Device 201, an apparatus that        gives the geographic location (through longitude and latitude        positions) of the vehicle.    -   A Speed Detector 202 that detects and provides the current speed        of the vehicle.    -   A Speed Limit Database Management System 203 that maps and keeps        track of the speed limits of all roads within a geographic        region, and can be queried to provide such data based on the        location of the vehicle, the type of vehicle, the time of day,        and other factors.    -   A Speed Limit Indicator 204, which provides the driver of a        vehicle with the speed limit of the current road segment being        traversed.    -   A Speed Alerter 205, which uses sensory (e.g. audio, visual,        kinesthetic) signal(s) to notify the driver of a speed        violation.    -   A Speed Reducer 206, a system that uses electromechanical means        to physically or electronically force the vehicle to slow down        in order to meet the posted speed limit if the driver fails to        slow down the vehicle.    -   A Driver Identification (DID) System 207 that identifies the        driver; in one embodiment, the DID confirms that the driver in        question is in the vehicle, while in another embodiment, the DID        verifies that the driver in question is, in fact, sitting behind        the wheel and is controlling the vehicle.    -   A Speed Limit Violation Logger 208, which tracks, records, and        indexes information about a driver's speeding violations and can        later be accessed to examine the person's driving habits and        behaviors.    -   A Control Unit 209 that continually does the following: collects        the current geographic location data of the vehicle from the GPS        Device, collects the current weather conditions, queries the        Speed Limit Database Management System for the current speed        limit of the segment of the road the vehicle is traveling on,        provides the driver with the current speed limit through the        Speed Limit Indicator, collects the current speed of the vehicle        from the Speed Detector, and, if necessary, activates the Speed        Alerter and/or triggers the Speed Reducer and/or records        speeding data, with DID and other information, into the Speed        Limit Violation Logger.

FIG. 2 depicts the aforementioned components and functionalities workingtogether as a system. Note that various combinations of these componentsand functionalities (all or a subset) may be combined in different waysto provide different sets of overall functionalities and/or physicalpackaging arrangements.

GPS (Global Positioning System) Device

The GPS Device 201 provides the current geographic location (throughlongitude and latitude positions) of the vehicle. It may be one of thefollowing:

-   -   A GPS system installed (permanently) in the vehicle    -   A standalone, detachable GPS unit (e.g. a device manufactured by        companies such as Magellan, Garmin, or TomTom) currently present        in the vehicle.    -   A mobile device (such as a mobile phone) equipped with a GPS        sensor and currently present in the vehicle    -   Any other device that can track the position of an object (in        this case, a vehicle) through the use of GPS technologies

If a mobile phone is used as a GPS Device, the phone may use AssistedGPS, or A-IGPS—a combination of location detection through GPS satellitesignals as well as those obtained through cellular telephonetriangulation methods—in order to provide a quicker and potentially moreaccurate location of the vehicle. A-GPS is useful when conventional GPSsignals are obstructed by trees, tall buildings, or other uncontrollablephysical and natural objects, and can often result in a quicker and moreaccurate location result. However, if the device is not equipped withtraditional GPS and only with A-GPS, it may not function properly as alocation detection device in the event of little or no cellular phonenetwork reception. For this reason, the GPS Device should optimally beequipped with at least traditional GPS, even if it does have A-GPScapabilities as well; thus, even if A-GPS cannot function due to a lossin cellular reception, regular GPS technology will still be able totrack the location of the vehicle. The GPS Device may use wired orwireless connections to provide the current location data of thevehicle.

Speed Detector

The Speed Detector 202 is used to determine the speed of the vehicle atany given moment. Several different methods, including (but not limitedto) those described in the following examples, may be used to find outthis speed. GPS satellites may lock onto the position of the GPS Deviceand track its motion in order to detect the speed of the vehicle, henceallowing the GPS Device to act as the Speed Detector. Alternatively, theSpeed Detector may be built-in (that is, permanently integrated with thevehicle) and may interface directly with the speedometer to accuratelymeasure the exact speed of the vehicle at any moment. A Speed Detectormay also utilize radar, laser, sonic, optical, motional, or othertechnologies to determine the current speed of the vehicle. Yet anothermethod of determining the speed of a vehicle may be implemented. AGPS-equipped unit may work in conjunction with a precise clock todetermine the distance that the vehicle travels in a certain shortmeasured period of time; then, the formula of distance/time can be usedto determine the speed of the vehicle in real-time. As mentioned before,the Speed Detector may be built-in to the vehicle; alternatively, it maybe physically separate from the vehicle. The Speed Detector may usewired or wireless data communication protocols to provide the currentspeed data.

Speed Limit Database Management System

The Speed Limit Database Management System 203 maps and keeps track ofthe speed limits of all roads within a geographic region, and can bequeried to provide such data based on the location of the vehicle and,optionally, the type of vehicle and/or the time of day and/or date. Thedatabase may be loaded onto a GPS satellite (or satellites), loaded ontothe GPS Device, or located in or on another device (or devices). Thedatabase may store information about different speed limits on differentsegments of roads within a geographic region. The database mentionedabove may be implemented using a relational database management systemand may be manipulated using SQL (Structured Query Language).Alternatively, the database may be organized through a Comma-separatedvalues, or CSV, file. Other methods of data storage and retrieval may beused for the database as well.

Such databases as those provided by third party providers like NAVTEQ,which already contain speed limit data for different roads, may be usedfor this purpose.

Alternatively, if no such databases are already available or providesufficient information, a new database or databases may be populatedwith speed limit data by overlaying a map of speed limits onto a roadmap of a given geographic region, thereby creating a relationshipbetween the geographic location and the applicable speed limit at thatlocation. As mentioned earlier, the speed limits may be furtherqualified based on the type of vehicle and/or the time of day and/ordate.

Before the Speed Limit Database Management System may be queried toprovide the speed limit of a specified road segment at a specified timeof day and/or on a specific date, the speed limit database must bepopulated with the necessary data. There are many different ways topopulate the database with the appropriate information; the followingdescription is provided only as an example, and does not constitute theonly method by which data may be entered into the database or how thisdata may specifically be used. One method of achieving this datapopulation may involve overlaying computer-generated road maps that arealready equipped with coordinate data (such as those found in computermapping programs like or similar to Google Earth) with specific endpoints of road segments where speed limits or directions change.

As shown in FIG. 2 a, road segment records 210 may be recorded in thedatabase including, among others, the following information:

-   -   Segment ID: To uniquely identify the road segment    -   Endpoint 1 (N): The North (latitude) coordinate value of the        first endpoint of the road segment    -   Endpoint 1 (W): The West (longitude) coordinate value of the        first endpoint of the road segment    -   Endpoint 2 (N): The North (latitude) coordinate value of the        second endpoint of the road segment    -   Endpoint 2 (W): The West (longitude) coordinate value of the        second endpoint of the road segment

For each such road segment, one or more speed limit records 211 may berecorded in the database including, among others, the followinginformation:

-   -   Segment ID: To uniquely identify the road segment    -   Time Period Start: The starting time of day for a particular        speed limit    -   Time Period End: The ending time of day for a particular speed        limit    -   Speed Limit: The applicable speed limit during the time period        between Time Period Start and Time Period End

Therefore, for each road segment, there may be a separate speed limitrecord for each unique combination of Time Period Start and Time PeriodEnd values. For example, if a road segment has a constant speed limitthroughout an entire day, it will have only one speed limit record.However, if a road segment has two different speed limits—one from 7:00AM to 3:00 PM and the other for the rest of the day—it will have twodifferent speed limit records. For example, suppose a road segment(Segment ID=100) in front of a school on West Campbell Avenue, Campbell,Calif. 95008 has a speed limit of 25 mph (miles per hour) during schoolhours (7:00 AM-3:00 PM) and otherwise 35 mph. Meanwhile, a differentroad segment (Segment ID=200) on San Tomas Expressway, Campbell, Calif.95008 may have a speed limit of 45 mph at all times. For these roadsegments, the following records would be entered in the database asshown in FIG. 2 a.

When the Speed Limit Database Management System is queried with thecoordinates of a location, those coordinates may first be mapped into aroad segment record such that the given coordinates either fall into orare very close to the line segment between the recorded end points ofthat road segment. One may use the equation of a line corresponding to aroad segment to check if the given location belongs to that roadsegment. Using the Segment ID of such a road segment record, thecorresponding speed limit record may be found based on the specifiedtime of day. This speed limit record will provide the applicable speedlimit value.

The Speed Limit Database Management System may be provided the vehicletype by the Control Unit and may store a separate set of speed limitinformation for each individual type of vehicle. For example, a speedlimit of 55 mph is imposed for many large trucks and trailer-towingvehicles on most freeways, as opposed to the usual speed limit of 65 mphfor normal vehicles. In this case, the Speed Limit Database ManagementSystem would store the 55 mph speed limit data and send this informationback to the Control Unit if the Control Unit reports that the vehicle isa large truck or trailer-towing vehicle; therefore, the driver of thetruck or trailer-towing vehicle would be alerted that the speed limit onthe freeway is 55 mph. If, however, the Control Unit reports that thedriver is operating a normal vehicle on the freeway, the Speed LimitDatabase Management System will store the regular 65 mph speed limit andreport this speed limit to the driver.

The diagram of FIG. 3 provides a high-level overview of how the SpeedLimit Database Management System processes queries for speed limits. Thespeed limit records may further be enhanced to store applicable days fordifferent speed limits. For example, the Speed Limit Database ManagementSystem may record that the special speed limit during school hours (7:00AM to 3:00 PM) is applicable only from Monday to Friday or only duringweeks and/or months when school is in session. In view of the abovedescription and examples, if the location data 301 comprising latitudeand longitude coordinate values of 37°17′11.00″N, 121°58′10.00″ W belongto road segment 100 in front of the school on West Campbell Avenue,Calif. 95008, then the applicable speed limit values 302 shown in FIG. 3a will be returned by the Speed Limit Database Management System whenqueried.

There are many ways for the Speed Limit Database Management System todetect the current local time and date 303 in the region in which thevehicle is traveling; the following examples do not constitute the onlyways in which the local time at the vehicle's location may be derived.The Speed Limit Database Management System may use the geographiccoordinates of the vehicle, derived originally by the GPS Device andsent to the Speed Limit Database Management System by way of the ControlUnit, to determine the time zone in which the vehicle is currently in.Then, using Greenwich Mean Time (or some other time zone) as areference, the Speed Limit Database Management System may determine theexact local time and date information by adding or subtracting hoursfrom the neutral time zone in relation to the time zone in which thevehicle is currently located. Optionally, the Speed Limit Databaseitself may store information about the different time zones that roadsare located in; this way, rather than needing to query the time zone ofthe vehicle's location every instance the vehicle's location changes inorder to determine the local time and date, the time zone informationmay be determined at the same instance the speed limit of the currentroad is derived from the Speed Limit Database. Finally, as describedfurther in the description of the Control Unit, the Control Unit mayprovide the local time and date through the use of a clock.

The Speed Limit Database may need to be updated if and when speed limitswithin a specified geographic area are added, modified, or deleted. Sucha database may be accessed using wired or wireless data communicationprotocols, such as (but not limited to) Wi-Fi or cellular radios.

Vehicle type 304 may be a configurable parameter within the system, oralternatively may be determined automatically if the system has accessto the vehicle's OBD system. The SLDBMS 305 contains a populated speedlimit database 306 and query processor function 307.

Speed Limit Indicator

The Speed Limit Indicator 204 provides the driver the speed limit of theroad that the vehicle is currently traversing. By giving the driver aclear indication of the current speed limit, the Speed Limit Indicatorallows the driver to confidently drive his or her vehicle at a safespeed. The Speed Limit Indicator may be built-in to the GPS Device, theSpeed Alerter, the Speed Detector, the vehicle itself, another device inclose proximity to the driver (such as a mobile phone, car stereosystem, or steering wheel), or may constitute a separate device in andof itself. The Speed Limit Indicator communicates with the Control Unitto gain the speed limit on the road that the vehicle is currentlytraversing; as detailed later, this speed limit may be manipulated basedon weather conditions and/or user inputs and/or other factors. Throughvisual and/or audible means, the Speed Limit Indicator provides thedriver with this speed limit information.

In the case of a visual display, the current speed limit would simply beshown on the screen of the Speed Limit Indicator at all times. Two typesof audible alerts are possible:

-   -   1) Changed Speed Limit Indicator: Each time the speed limit        changes, the Speed Limit Indicator audibly provides the current        speed limit.    -   2) Periodic Speed Limit Indicator: The speed limit of the        current road is audibly provided at given intervals (e.g. every        ten [10] seconds).

Both the Changed Speed Limit Indicator and the Periodic Speed LimitIndicator may be used individually or in combination.

The Speed Limit Indicator may also provide an adjusted or advisory speedlimit that has been altered as a result of certain parameters. Theseparameters may include those such as local weather conditions whereby anadjusted or advisory speed limit may be reduced relative to the legallimit according to the severity of the weather conditions and/oradjustments based on other factors, such as driver inputs.

Speed Alerter

The Speed Alerter 205 notifies a driver when the vehicle exceeds thespeed limit. The Speed Alerter uses sensory indications to alert thedriver in case of a speed limit violation. These indications may be ofan audio, visual, kinesthetic, olfactory, or other sensory nature. Theymay be activated either independently or in combinations of more thanone at a time. An example of an audible signal may be a beeping soundemitted from the GPS Device, the car stereo system, or another device inclose proximity to the driver. This sound may dynamically change basedon the severity of the speed violation; for instance, the frequency,pitch, and/or loudness of the beeping sound may increase if the driverincreases the vehicle's speed over the speed limit, while the oppositeeffect (less frequent and/or quieter beeps) may be observed if thedriver reduces the amount by which the vehicle is exceeding the speedlimit. The volume and/or frequency of an audible signal may beuser-configurable and/or may respond to the level of sound in theambient environment. For example, in order to ensure that a driver canhear the Speed Alerter even when he or she is playing his or her musicat a loud volume, the sounds emitted from the Speed Alerter for a speedviolation of ten (10) mph may be louder than those emitted if the sameviolation was committed in a quieter environment. A visual indicator mayconsist of a flashing light or a set of lights visible, yetnon-distracting (for safety reasons) to the driver, that may flash withgreater frequency and/or greater brightness when the driver's speed overthe speed limit increases and may flash with a lesser frequency and/orlesser brightness when the driver reduces the vehicle's speed. This(these) light(s) may change color(s) depending on the level of the speedviolation; for example, if a vehicle is exceeding the current speedlimit by less than ten (10) mph, the color of the light(s) may beyellow, while this color may change to red if the vehicle exceeds thecurrent speed limit by greater than ten (10) mph. These and/or othervisual cue(s) may come from a set of light embedded within the vehicle,from the GPS Device, or from another device in close proximity to thedriver, such as a mobile phone.

Furthermore, one or more entities may display any visual cues at anygiven moment; for example, an alert may be shown on both the driver'smobile phone and through a set of lights embedded within the vehicle, orit may only be shown on the driver's mobile phone. The visual indicatormay also be user-configurable and/or may respond to the ambient lightingnear the driver. For example, if one is driving at night and the insideof the vehicle is dark, the visual indicator may be less brighter inorder to avoid being distracting or blinding to the driver, while thevisual indicator may become brighter in broad daylight. A kinestheticsignal to alert the driver of the vehicle's speed limit violation mayconsist of a slight vibration of the steering wheel; of the driver'sseat; of the physical wheel(s) of the vehicle by means of the wheelsthemselves, the axels of the car, or through other means (similar, in asense, to the vibration sensation one feels on the highway when oneaccidentally veers off the road onto the shoulder); or of the GPS Deviceor another object (such as a mobile phone or Bluetooth headset) in closeproximity to the driver. An example of an olfactory signal may be ascent that is released within the vehicle that increases in intensity asthe vehicle's speed over the speed limit increases and decreases as thevehicle's speed is reduced. The functionality of a Speed Alerter may bebuilt into a number of devices, such as a mobile phone, a vehicle'saudio system, a GPS Device, or another piece of physical equipment. TheSpeed Alerter may be activated through wired or wireless datacommunication protocols, such as (but not limited to) Bluetooth orWi-Fi. For example, a driver's Bluetooth-enabled mobile phone orBluetooth over-the-ear headset may be used as a Speed Alerter.

One may also configure the Speed Alerter to be activated at certainspeeds above or below the actual speed limit. For example, a parentwhose child is beginning to learn how to drive may configure the SpeedAlerter to alert the driver when the vehicle's speed comes within five(5) mph of the actual speed limit (e.g. at 30 mph on a road with a 35mph speed limit). Alternatively, an experienced driver who feelscomfortable traveling at a speed slightly over the limit may configurethe Speed Alerter such that it is activated only when the vehicle'sspeed exceeds the actual speed limit by a custom-defined value. In allcases, the GPS Device, Speed Detector, Speed Limit Database ManagementSystem, Speed Limit Indicator, Speed Alerter, Speed Reducer, Speed LimitViolation Logger, Driver Identification System, and Control Unit allcontinue to work in sync, while the user has the ability to determine atwhich speed(s) above or below the speed limit the Speed Alerter shouldbe activated.

Furthermore, the Speed Alerter may be configured such that it isactivated only if the vehicle exceeds a given speed, such as the speedlimit, for the full duration of a certain period of time. For example, adriver may configure the Speed Alerter such that it is activated only ifthe vehicle violates the speed limit for at least ten (10) continuousseconds. In this case, if the vehicle's speed exceeds the current speedlimit for a duration of time less than ten (10) seconds (for instance,six [6] seconds), the Speed Alerter will not be activated. Thisconfiguration of the Speed Alerter may occur in several ways; forexample, the driver may physically push and/or hold a button or usevoice commands to temporarily disable the Speed Alerter. Alternatively,the Speed Alerter may also have a mode in which it always allows alertconditions to be deferred for a temporary period of time with nospecific action required by the driver to temporarily disable the SpeedAlerter. Regardless of implementation, this option allows for situationsin which a temporary increase in speed may be necessary while an alertis not desired; for example, a driver may need to speed up in order toovertake another vehicle while changing lanes or merge into traffic.

Speed Reducer

The Speed Reducer 206 uses electromechanical means to physically orelectronically force the vehicle to slow down. The Speed Reducerreceives an input from the Control Unit to determine if it should beactivated. The Control Unit may be configured to activate the SpeedReducer only if the vehicle's speed exceeds the speed limit for acertain amount of time (e.g. at least for ten [10] seconds) and/or ifthe driver exceeds the speed limit by a certain amount (e.g. a speedgreater than or equal to more than 15 mph over the limit).Alternatively, the Speed Reducer may receive the speed limit of the roadcurrently being traversed and the current speed of the vehicle todetermine whether it should activate itself. One may configure the SpeedReducer in these and other regards by configuring the Speed Reducerdirectly; for example, one may configure the Speed Reducer to activateonly if the vehicle's speed exceeds the speed limit for a certain amountof time (e.g. at least for ten [10] seconds) and/or if the driverexceeds the speed limit by a certain amount (e.g. a speed greater thanor equal to more than 15 mph over the limit). Once the Speed Reducer isactivated and the vehicle begins to slow down, the Speed Alerter may bedeactivated or continue to remain activated until the vehicle's speed nolonger exceeds the speed limit. Furthermore, the driver may be alertedthat the vehicle's speed is being manipulated by the Speed Reducerthrough visual, audible, kinesthetic, and/or other sensory means thatmay be activated in combination or individually. The Speed Reducer maybe turned on and off as desired and/or needed.

One way to implement the Speed Reducer could be by following the methodsand apparatus as described by Yutaka Fujii in U.S. Pat. No. 5,315,295 asissued by the USPTO on May 24, 1994, in which a throttle activatorand/or brake activator are used to forcibly apply the brakes to avehicle to reduce its speed. Alternatively, the Speed Reducer mayfunction by following the methods and apparatus as described by Butsuen,et al in U.S. Pat. No. 5,420,792 as issued by the USPTO on May 30, 1995,in which hydraulic systems are used to slow the vehicle, therebyreducing its speed. Other methods of physically or electronicallyforcing the vehicle to slow down may possibly be used as well.

Driver Identification (DID) System

A Driver Identification (DID) System 207 identifies the driver. The DIDmay be optionally provided in addition to any other components and/orfunctionalities of the SPIRAL System. Thus, the DID is not included inall of the diagrams in the figures.

In one embodiment, the DID confirms that the driver in question is inthe vehicle, while in another embodiment, the DID verifies that thedriver in question is, in fact, sitting behind the wheel and iscontrolling the vehicle. The DID may include a fingerprint reader orother biometric device such as a retina scanner that can be used tovalidate that the driver is present in the vehicle. Other embodimentsmay include the fingerprint scanner constructed integrally with thesteering wheel to ensure that the identified person is, in fact, drivingthe vehicle. A retina scanner may be positioned so as to accomplish thesame goal. Additionally, an image recognition camera positioned so as toview the driver's face may be used to validate the driver.

Speed Limit Violation Logger

The Speed Limit Violation Logger 208 tracks, records, and indexes avehicle's speeding data. This data may include the identity of thedriver, as provided by the Driver Identification System (DID), thevehicle identification number (VIN), the time of a speeding violation,the time duration of the speeding violation, the location of thespeeding violation, the actual speed driven while committing theinfraction, the legal speed limit that was violated, the amount of thespeeding violation (the actual speed of the vehicle minus the legalspeed limit), and other information. This information may be useful fora variety of purposes. For example, a driver may analyze the logs ofspeeding data generated by the Speed Limit Violation Logger to improvehis or her driving habits by keeping track of where he or she speedsmost often, by examining how much he or she speeds at certain locationsand/or times, and using this data to take proactive steps in order tobecome a safer driver. The Speed Limit Violation Logger may storeinformation in a variety of ways, such as in comma-separated value (CSV)files, or in a relational database management system that may bemanipulated using SQL (Structured Query Language). These logs may beindexed and searched for certain parameters; for example, one may searchlogs generated by the Speed Violation Logger for certain locations orinstances in which one's speed exceeded the speed limit by a certainamount, or may sort the speeding records based on the severity of thoseviolations. Various useful reports may be generated and analyzed usingthe data procured from the Speed Limit Violation Logger; for example,one may choose to find all instances of speeding within the last week orlast month, and may further qualify these searches based on the severityof the violations, locations of the violations, or other factors. Onemay utilize a map display to intuitively view the speed habits of adriver on a map. Furthermore, the speeding logs may optionally be usedfor law enforcement purposes. In addition, automobile insurancecompanies can use data provided by the Speed Limit Violation Logger toadjust insurance premiums based on how safely their customers drive orfor other purposes. Moreover, information from the Speed Limit ViolationLogger may used by the operator(s) of a chain of fleet vehicles in orderto track the speed habits of the chain's drivers, who may be limousinedrivers, taxi drivers, goods transportation drivers, etc. Overall, thedegree to which a driver's driving behavior reflects concern for safety,specifically obeying speed laws, may be tracked over a period of time bythe Speed Limit Violation Logger in order to generate an evaluativepattern of driving behavior for the driver. The Speed Limit ViolationLogger may be turned on or off either directly, through the ControlUnit, or by other means (such as through remote control), as desiredand/or needed. The Speed Limit Violation Logger may transmit informationto or may be accessed from another source using wired or wireless datacommunication protocols, such as (but not limited to) Wi-Fi or cellularradios.

Control Unit

The Control Unit 209 is the main driving component of the SPIRAL System.It provides the core functionality of controlling the Speed LimitIndicator 204, Speed Alerter 205, Speed Reducer 206, and Speed LimitViolation Logger 208 by seamlessly processing inputs from the GPS Device201, the Speed Detector 202, the Speed Limit Database Management System203, and the Driver Identification System 207. The Control Unit hascommunication capabilities—both the ability to send and receivedata/signals through wired or wireless data communication protocols toand from other components that comprise the SPIRAL System. The ControlUnit, which may be located within or outside the vehicle or anotherdevice, receives location data from the GPS Device and vehicular speedinformation from the Speed Detector. The Control Unit additionallyreceives information regarding the current driver through the DriverIdentification System if a DID is present. The Control Unit may also beprovided the type of vehicle that the SPIRAL System is being used in,such as a large truck or trailer or a normal vehicle. The default speedlimits applicable to normal vehicles may be changed by specifying analternative type of vehicle, such as a large truck or trailer. Thisvehicle type information may then be sent to the Speed Limit DatabaseManagement System such that the correct speed limit data particular tothe type of vehicle is provided to the Control Unit. The Control Unitsends the vehicle's location data, optionally, the vehicle's type, and,optionally, the current local time and date to the Speed Limit DatabaseManagement System. The Speed Limit Database Management System, in turn,sends back the applicable speed limit of the current road, which isprovided to the driver by the Speed Limit Indicator. If the vehicularspeed derived from the Speed Detector is greater than the speed limit,the Control Unit then sends the appropriate signals to activate theSpeed Alerter and/or the Speed Reducer. If the vehicular speed derivedfrom the Speed Detector is greater than the speed limit or does not meeta minimum speed threshold, the Control Unit records speeding data, withDID and other applicable information, into the Speed Limit ViolationLogger. If the vehicle's speed falls at or under the applicable speedlimit of the current road, the Control Unit sends the appropriatesignals to deactivate the Speed Alerter and/or the Speed Reducer, ifthey are currently activated. The Control Unit continuously performs itsoperations while the vehicle is in motion, unless it is explicitly shutoff.

If the Control Unit is required to send the current local time and dateto the Speed Limit Database Management System, the Control Unit mayderive such information from a clock that is equipped with both time anddate information and is located either within the Control Unit or existsas an external device.

If desired, the Control Unit may be configured to activate the SpeedAlerter at certain speeds above or below the actual speed limit. Forexample, a parent whose child is beginning to learn how to drive mayconfigure the Control Unit to activate the Speed Alerter and,optionally, the Speed Reducer when the vehicle's speed comes within five(5) mph of the actual speed limit (e.g. at 30 mph on a road with a 35mph speed limit). Alternatively, an experienced driver who feelscomfortable traveling at a speed slightly over the limit may configurethe Control Unit such that it activates the Speed Alerter and/or theSpeed Reducer, only when the vehicle's speed exceeds the actual speedlimit by a custom-defined value. In all cases, the GPS Device, SpeedDetector, Speed Limit Database Management System, Speed Limit Indicator,Speed Alerter, Speed Reducer, Driver Identification System, Speed LimitViolation Logger, and Control Unit all continue to work in sync, withthe Control Unit determining at what configured speed(s) above or belowthe actual speed limit the Speed Alerter and/or the Speed Reducer shouldbe activated.

The Control Unit may also collect information about current weatherconditions in the nearby vicinity of the vehicle and use thisinformation when providing instructions to the Speed Indicator, SpeedAlerter, and Speed Reducer to enhance the driver's safety in dangerousweather conditions. This weather data may be procured in several ways,such as through the use of sensors around the vehicle to determine thepresence of ice, wind, fog, rain, snow, hail, or sleet. The informationwithin the vehicle that is used to implement rain-sensing variable speedwipers can also be used by the SPIRAL System. Also, slip-sensingtechnology is incorporated into many modern vehicles as part of systemsknown as “dynamic stability control” systems, whereby information onslippage of the tires relative to the road is acquired from the sensorsthat also are used to implement anti-lock braking. Dynamic stabilitycontrol systems, specifically the slip-sensing technology used in thosesystems, may also be used for weather condition detection purposes.

Data on local weather conditions may also be procured through theweather information provided by an online weather database, such asthose provided by popular Internet weather-related websites; or throughother means. Based on this weather data, including the severity of anyextreme weather conditions detected, the Control Unit may make adetermination to provide the driver with a “safe speed limit” lower thanthe posted speed limit of the current road being traversed, as stored inthe Speed Limit Database Management System and provided to the ControlUnit. Such a “safe speed limit” may be either advisory or mandatory. Iffollowing such a “safe speed limit” is determined to be more beneficialfor the safety of the driver than if he or she were simply to obey theposted speed limit, the Control Unit may send this “safe speed limit” tothe Speed Limit Indicator, Speed Alerter, and Speed Reducer, which thenuse the “safe speed limit,” rather than the posted speed limit, toperform their operations. This weather-based information, coupled withthe type of vehicle and the other information provided by the SpeedLimit Database Management System, allows the Speed Limit Indicator,Speed Alerter, and Speed Reducer to work better. For example, suppose adriver is driving on a freeway through extremely stormy conditions,including a huge downpour of rain and high winds. The Control Unit maydetect these extreme weather conditions through the use of sensors,information gathered from an online database or other source of currentweather status, or another source, or a combination of informationprocured from different sources. Once this weather information isprocessed, the Control Unit may set the “safe speed limit” on thefreeway currently being traversed by the vehicle at 50 mph, 15 mph lessthan the normally posted speed limit of 65 mph. This new speed limitdata is sent to the Speed Limit Indicator, Speed Alerter, and SpeedReducer, which all work to assist the driver in maintaining a safe speedunder the assumption that the current speed limit is 50 mph. The ControlUnit's handing of weather conditions may be user-configurable in severalways. For example, the user could set it to reduce the speed limit by aspecific amount under the posted speed limit depending on the weatherconditions; or, alternatively, the weather condition function of theControl Unit may be toggled on and off.

Furthermore, the Control Unit may be configured such that the SpeedAlerter and/or the Speed Reducer are activated only if the speed limitis exceeded by the vehicle for the full duration of a certain temporaryperiod of time. For example, a driver may configure the Control Unitsuch that the Speed Alerter and/or the Speed Reducer are activated onlyif the vehicle violates the speed limit for at least ten (10) continuousseconds. In this case, if the vehicle's speed exceeds the current speedlimit for a duration of time less than ten (10) seconds (for instance,six [6] seconds), the Speed Alerter and/or the Speed Reducer, will notbe activated. This option allows for situations where a temporaryincrease in speed may be necessary while an alert is not desired; forexample, a driver may need to speed up in order to overtake anothervehicle while changing lanes or in order to merge into traffic.

Configurations of the SPIRAL System's Components

While the different components/functionalities that comprise the SPIRALSystem have, for the most part, been described thus far as separateentities, they may be combined together in a variety of physicalconfigurations. Although there exist thousands of different possiblecombinations (and only a fraction of those are shown here), theessential function of the SPIRAL System remains the same in each one;only the physical arrangements differ within the different combinationsshown below. The diagrams in the figures and the descriptions thatfollow show some of the possible configurations of the SPIRAL System'scomponents/functionalities, including options for physical packaging.Note that the different components of the SPIRAL System have beenabbreviated in the following manners:

-   -   GPS Device=GPS    -   Speed Limit Database Management System=SLDBMS    -   Speed Detector=SD    -   Speed Alerter=SA    -   Speed Limit Indicator=SLI    -   Speed Reducer=SR    -   Driver Identification System=DID    -   Speed Limit Violation Logger=SLVL    -   Control Unit=CU

Furthermore, note in the diagrams depicted in FIGS. 4 through 16 thatinclude the SLI and SR, these components (the SLI and SR) may or may notbe present in the actual implementation of the system. In general, thediagrams in FIGS. 4 through 16 may or may not include one or more of thecomponents/functionalities shown in FIG. 2. However, it is understoodthat any of the components or functionalities shown in FIG. 2 may stillbe present in an actual implementation of the system.

In FIG. 4, the GPS, SLDBMS, SD, SA, SLI, SR, SLVL, and CU all exist asseparate entities. As indicated by the arrows, the GPS 401 and SD 402each communicate separately with the CU 403. The CU sends and receivesinformation from the SLDBMS and sends signals and/or commands to the SA,SLI, SR, and SLVL.

In FIG. 5, the GPS, SLDBMS, SD, SA, SLI, SR, SLVL, and CU are allco-located within one multi-functional device 501. This multifunctionaldevice may be created by adding the functionality of an SLDBMS, an SD,an SA, an SLI, an SR, an SLVL, and a CU to a device that is alreadyGPS-enabled. As indicated by the arrows, the GPS and SD each communicateseparately with the CU. The CU sends and receives information from theSLDBMS and sends signals and/or commands to the SLI, SA, SR, and SLVL.In addition, the CU 502 may also communicate externally to the vehicleby way of a communications link 503 that in some embodiments may providecommunication by way of the Internet 504.

In FIG. 6, the GPS, SLDBMS, SD, SA, and CU are all co-located within onemulti-functional device 601. This multifunctional device may be createdby adding the functionality of an SLDBMS, an SD, an SA, and a CU to adevice that is already GPS-enabled. As indicated by the arrows, the GPS602 and SD 603 both communicate at the same time with the CU 604. The CUsends and receives information from the SLDBMS and sends signals toactivate or deactivate the SA.

In FIG. 7, the GPS, SLDBMS, SD, SA, and CU all exist as separateentities. As indicated by the arrows, the GPS 701 and SD 702 bothcommunicate at the same time with the CU 703. The CU sends and receivesinformation from the SLDBMS and sends signals to activate or deactivatethe SA.

In FIG. 8, the GPS, SD, CU, and SA are all co-located within onemulti-functional device 801, while the SLDBMS exists independently ofthe GPS, SD, CU, and SA. This multifunctional device may be created byadding the functionality of an SD, an SA, and a CU to a device that isalready GPS-enabled. As indicated by the arrows, the GPS 802 and SD 803both communicate at the same time with the CU 804. The CU 804 sends andreceives information from the SLDBMS 805 (a separate device) and sendssignals to activate or deactivate the SA.

In FIG. 9, the GPS, SD, CU, and SA are all co-located within onemulti-functional device 901, while the SLDBMS exists independently ofthe GPS, SD, CU, and SA. This multifunctional device may be created byadding the functionality of an SD, an SA, and a CU to a device that isalready GPS-enabled. As indicated by the arrows, the GPS 902 and SD 903each communicate separately with the CU 904. The CU sends and receivesinformation from the SLDBMS 905 (a separate device) and sends signals toactivate or deactivate the SA.

In FIG. 10, the GPS, SD, and CU are all co-located within onemulti-functional device 1001, while both the SLDBMS and the SA existindependently of the GPS, SD, and CU. This multifunctional device may becreated by adding the functionality of an SD and a CU to a device thatis already GPS-enabled. As indicated by the arrows, the GPS 1002 and SD1003 each communicate separately with the CU 1004. The CU sends andreceives information from the SLDBMS 1005 (a separate device) and sendssignals to activate or deactivate the SA 1006 (another separate device).

In FIG. 11, the GPS, SD, and CU are all co-located within onemulti-functional device 1101, while both the SLDBMS and the SA existindependently of the GPS, SD, and CU. This multifunctional device may becreated by adding the functionality of an SD and a CU to a device thatis already GPS-enabled. As indicated by the arrows, the GPS 1102 and SD1103 both communicate at the same time with the CU 1104. The CU sendsand receives information from the SLDBMS 1105 (a separate device) andsends signals to activate or deactivate the SA 1106 (another separatedevice).

In FIG. 12, the GPS and SD are both co-located within onemulti-functional device 1201, while the SLDBMS, the SA, and the CU existindependently of the GPS and SD. This multifunctional device may becreated by adding the functionality of an SD to a device that is alreadyGPS-enabled. As indicated by the arrows, the GPS 1202 and SD 1203 (bothof which exist within a single entity 1201) both communicate at the sametime with the CU 1204. The CU sends and receives information from theSLDBMS 1205 (a separate device) and sends signals to activate ordeactivate the SA 1206 (another separate device).

In FIG. 13, the GPS and SA are both co-located within onemulti-functional device 1301, while the SLDBMS, the SD, and the CU existindependently of the GPS and SA. This multifunctional device may becreated by adding the functionality of an SA to a device that is alreadyGPS-enabled. As indicated by the arrows, the GPS 1302 and SD 1303 (bothof which reside within different entities) each communicate separatelywith the CU 1304. The CU sends and receives information from the SLDBMS1305 (a separate device) and sends signals to activate or deactivate theSA 1306 (another separate device).

In FIG. 14, the GPS and SA are all co-located within onemulti-functional device 1401, while the SLDBMS, the SD, and the CU existindependently of the GPS and SA. This multifunctional device may becreated by adding the functionality of an SA to a device that is alreadyGPS-enabled. As indicated by the arrows, the GPS 1402 and SD 1403 (bothof which reside within different entities) both communicate at the sametime with the CU 1404. The CU sends and receives information from theSLDBMS 1405 (a separate device) and sends signals to activate ordeactivate the SA 1406 (another separate device).

In FIG. 15, the GPS, SD, and SA are all co-located within onemulti-functional device 1501, while the SLDBMS and the CU existindependently of the GPS, SD, and SA. This multifunctional device may becreated by adding the functionality of an SD and an SA to a device thatis already GPS-enabled. As indicated by the arrows, the GPS 1502 and SD1503 (both of which, along with the SA, reside within the same entity)each communicate separately with the CU 1504. The CU sends and receivesinformation from the SLDBMS 1505 (a separate device) and sends signalsto activate or deactivate the SA 1506 (which resides in the same entityas the GPS and SD).

In FIG. 16, the GPS, SD, and SA are all co-located within onemulti-functional device 1601, while the SLDBMS and the CU existindependently of the GPS, SD, and SA. This multifunctional device may becreated by adding the functionality of an SD and an SA to a device thatis already GPS-enabled. As indicated by the arrows, the GPS 1602 and SD1603 (both of which, along with the SA 1604, reside within the sameentity 1601) both communicate at the same time with the CU 1605. The CUsends and receives information from the SLDBMS 1606 (a separate device)and sends signals to activate or deactivate the SA (which resides in thesame entity as the GPS and SD).

A log of alert condition data from the SPIRAL System that relates to adriver's pattern of driving behavior over time may be displayed to thedriver, other individuals, or an external organization either as textualdata or, alternatively, with a geographical orientation by means of amap display. An example of such a map display 1701 is shown in FIG. 17.Map displays may be annotated with attribute information related toalert conditions, such as the weather condition(s), the location of thespeeding violation(s), applicable speed limit(s), the severity of theviolation(s), driver identity (identities), and other parameters. Inparticular, FIG. 17 shows to geographical areas 1702 where the driver onaverage exceeded the speed limit by the degrees 1703 shown. Such a mapdisplay may be shown within the vehicle by the SPIRAL System itself oralternately by an existing display in the vehicle or a GPS display. Inaddition, such a map display may also be made available to the driverand/or other individuals via an online Internet connection or othercommunications means and may also be made available to an externalorganization or organizations.

FIG. 18 describes the flow of information between the SPIRAL System, thedriver of the vehicle, and a number of external organizations with whichthe driver and the SPIRAL System may interact. First, the driver mayinteract with a DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) 1803 and/or a policeorganization 1804 relative to driver licensing issues and/or speedingand other traffic violations.

Government Organizations

Relative to government organizations such as law enforcement agencies,the system described herein can be used to monitor a driver who is undera probationary status to determine if he or she is consistently drivingin a safe manner, and therefore deserves special considerations inreturn. One example of such a probationary status might be a personwhose driver's license has been suspended for a severe moving violation,or multiple moving violations, but with proof of safe driving may beallowed to continue to drive as long as he or she meets a set ofprobationary rules. This would allow a person to keep driving when aninability to drive would cause severe hardship to himself or herself orthe driver's family. Another probationary scenario might include a newdriver who is operating under a learner's permit or a provisional,age-restricted license for young people. Often these new drivers and/oryoung drivers are restricted to operate with certain restrictions withregard to time of day and or the presence of an appropriate licenseddriver riding with them. If the system described herein is attached tonew and/or young drivers' vehicles and is in communication with thelocal DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles), it could be used to monitorthe behavior of individuals operating under a learner's permit or aprovisional license and therefore allow them more freedom given thatthey adhere to a set of probationary rules. It may also enable them totransition to a full driver's license at an earlier time.

When the SPIRAL System is present in a vehicle, law enforcement agenciescan use transmitted speed log information not only for initiating andmaintaining a probationary period, but could also use the speed loginformation for issuing warnings or even tickets. Another age-relatedprobationary process that can take advantage of the SPIRAL Systeminvolves the elderly. In some states and countries, drivers may losetheir licenses after passing a certain age. A probationary process usingthe SPIRAL System can be implemented to allow elderly drivers tocontinue driving under probation. This may include not only that theyobey the speed limits, but that they also maintain a minimum rate ofspeed that safely keeps up with traffic. Thus, for drivers where it isdesired to measure their ability to keep up with traffic, there would betwo speed thresholds for determining alert conditions—an upper speedthreshold for determining if they are speeding and a lower speedthreshold for determining if they are keeping up with traffic.

The data logged by the SPIRAL System over a period of time may be usedto determine if such a driver has, in fact, maintained an acceptableminimum rate of speed. A challenge exists, however, in that anacceptable minimum rate of speed must be determined relative to trafficconditions. A solution to this challenge is to develop over time adatabase of typical speeds traveled by motorists on each segment of roadand at each time of day and day of the week. If the road is populatedwith sensors for determining such information, such as freeways wheresensing systems are installed for the purpose of reporting trafficdensities and speeds, then this data can be used to compare the averagespeed of traffic for a given day and time in order to determine aminimum acceptable speed for the driver in question. Alternately, shoulda multitude of SPIRAL Systems be deployed over a certain geographicalarea, data may be collected in aggregate from a number of SPIRAL Systemsinstalled in different vehicles to provide a baseline for minimumacceptable speeds at a given time and location. If the availability ofsuch data is minimal, then an average of speeds may be used to calculatean acceptable minimum. However, if the SPIRAL System is deployed insufficient numbers, the probability increases that other vehicles soequipped will be present on the same segment of road and in the sametimeframe as the driver in question in order to use data from thoseother vehicles as a basis for comparison.

The SPIRAL System may also be used to report to government/DMV agenciesthe cumulative distance (miles or kilometers) driven for a particularvehicle in addition to the pattern of driving behavior of the driver.Drivers may then be taxed (DMV renewal for a particular vehicle)according to the cumulative distance driven with a particular vehicle,and also may have registration fee rate reductions on one or morevehicle(s) according to proof of safe driving provided through SPIRALSystem data logs that have been automatically supplied to thegovernment/DMV agency. When a driver's vehicle is equipped with theSPIRAL System, the driver may also be issued tickets for speeding basedon alert condition logs supplied by the System.

Insurance Companies

Relative to insurance companies 1805, the system described herein canlog parameters indicating a driver's speeding behavior and automaticallyreport this data to an insurance company. In return, the insurancecompany may provide reduced premium rates for that individual. Regardingthe ability to mitigate restrictions or penalties imposed on a driverafter he or she has had speeding violations and/or accidents, thepresent invention may be used to monitor such a driver in a probationarysense, providing ongoing information to an insurance company regardingthe driver's safe pattern of driving behavior, thus enabling the driverto avoid an increase in premiums as a result of an accident or movingviolation record as long as he or she adheres to a set of probationaryrules relative to his or her driving behavior. Should a driverhabitually speed while being monitored by the SPIRAL System, theinsurance company may decide to increase the driver's premiums instead.

Rental Car Companies

Companies that loan vehicles to drivers (such as rental car companies1806) may use the SPIRAL System to monitor driving behavior as well asuse the speed data to determine the rental charges incurred by a driver.Beyond a certain age, individuals sometimes become ineligible to rentfrom some car rental companies. The installation of the SPIRAL System ona rental car could enable rental car companies that would normally notrent to elderly persons beyond a certain age limit to allow elderlypersons to rent with probationary treatment as long as their drivinghabits—as logged and reported by the SPIRAL System—are within the limitsof certain rules. Rental car companies also act as insurance companieswhen they offer insurance to renters. As such, a rental car company mayuse the SPIRAL System to offer reduced insurance rates in return forproof of a driver's safe driving behavior—or may increase insurancerates if the driver's driving behavior is unsatisfactory or does notmeet certain requirements.

Companies that Employ Professional Drivers

A commercial trucking company or any company 1807 that usesprofessionally-driven vehicles for transporting goods or people (such asa bus, taxi, or limousine driving service company) can use the SPIRALSystem for monitoring its drivers to determine how safe the drivers'patterns of driving behavior are. Rewards of punishment may be providedcommensurate with driving behavior. Besides the specific examples oforganizations shown in FIG. 18, the SPIRAL System may be similarly usedto enhance or facilitate the interactions of drivers with otherorganizations 1808.

FIG. 19 shows a flowchart describing the steps for an exampleinteraction between a driver, the SPIRAL System, and an externalorganization. First, when the vehicle is operated, the SPIRAL Systemcontinually determines 1901 the speed and location of the vehicle. Thevehicle location is then used by the SPIRAL System to access a databaseand determine 1902 the speed limit based on the time of day, day of theweek, type of vehicle, and in some implementations, local weatherconditions or other appropriate parameters. The speed limit may be theactual legal speed limit given the above parameters, or may be anadjusted or advisory speed limit that has been altered based onparameters such as local weather conditions and/or user input(s). TheSPIRAL System then uses the speed limit or adjusted speed limit tocompare 1903 the speed limit with the vehicle's actual speed in order todetermine if an alert condition exists. Should an alert condition exist,the SPIRAL System may log 1904 that alert condition, and also may notify1905 the driver of the alert condition through one or more sensorymeans. The SPIRAL System may periodically report 1906 an alert conditionlog to an external organization, and may also at an appropriate timereport 1907 an alert condition log to the driver or other individuals byway of a textual representation or alternately by way of an annotatedmap display. Finally, the external organization that previously receivedan alert condition log may provide 1908 some form of conditionaltreatment to the driver in question.

The Speed Reduction, Alerting, and Logging System (SPIRAL System),described above, solves the long-lasting problem of drivers beingignorant of violating speed limits and thereby presenting a danger tothemselves and the people around them. The system also may be utilizedto enhance or facilitate interactions between drivers and externalorganizations such as government/law enforcement, insurance companies,rental car companies, and companies that employ professional drivers.Finally, studies have consistently shown that drivers who obey the speedlimit save not just fuel and help the environment, but save lives aswell.

The foregoing description of preferred embodiments of the presentinvention has been provided for the purposes of illustration anddescription. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit theinvention to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications andvariations will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the relevantarts. For example, steps preformed in the embodiments of the inventiondisclosed can be performed in alternate orders, certain steps can beomitted, and additional steps can be added. The embodiments were chosenand described in order to best explain the principles of the inventionand its practical application, thereby enabling others skilled in theart to understand the invention for various embodiments and with variousmodifications that are suited to the particular use contemplated. It isintended that the scope of the invention be defined by the claims andtheir equivalents.

1. A method for speed reduction, alerting, and logging for a motorvehicle, comprising the steps of: continuously determining the speed andlocation of the vehicle; determining the presence of an alert conditionby comparing the speed of the vehicle with the legal speed limit at alocation; providing an alert notification to the driver of the motorvehicle; and wherein: a system within said vehicle determines vehiclespeed, vehicle location, the speed limit at a location, and the presenceof an alert condition; and speed thresholds for determining alertconditions may be automatically varied according to local weatherconditions.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein: speed thresholds fordetermining alert conditions may be adjusted according to the type ofvehicle; speed thresholds for determining alert conditions may beadjusted according to the time of day, day of the week, or date; and anadjusted speed limit indication is provided to the driver based on thevehicle type, the time of day, the day of the week, date, and localweather conditions.
 3. The method of claim 2 wherein an alert conditionmay be deferred for a temporary period of time.
 4. The method of claim 3wherein: an alert notification provided to the driver may include atleast one of an audible, visual, kinesthetic, or olfactory alert; theintensity of an alert notification may be altered in response to theambient conditions of the driver's environment; and the intensity of analert notification to the driver may be altered in response to theseverity of an alert condition.
 5. The method of claim 4 wherein a speedreduction of the vehicle may be forced according to an alert condition.6. A method for speed reduction, alerting, and logging for a motorvehicle, comprising the steps of: continuously determining the speed andlocation of the vehicle being driven by a driver; determining thepresence of an alert condition by comparing the speed of the vehiclewith the legal speed limit at a location; providing an alertnotification to the driver; logging alert conditions over a period oftime to determine a pattern of driving behavior for said driver; andwherein: a system within said vehicle determines vehicle speed, vehiclelocation, the speed limit at a location, and the presence of an alertcondition; speed thresholds for determining alert conditions may beautomatically varied according to local weather conditions, andlocations of alert conditions are logged and made available by means ofa map display where locations of alert conditions are marked on the mapalong with information representing one or more attributes regarding thealert conditions.
 7. The method of claim 6 wherein a log of alertconditions is transferred to an organization by way of a communicationslink.
 8. The method of claim 6 wherein: speed thresholds for determiningalert conditions may be adjusted according to the type of vehicle; speedthresholds for determining alert conditions may be adjusted according tothe time of day, day of the week, or date; and an adjusted speed limitindication is provided to the driver based on the vehicle type, the timeof day, the day of the week, the date, and local weather conditions. 9.The method of claim 8 wherein an alert condition may be deferred for atemporary period of time.
 10. The method of claim 9 wherein: an alertnotification provided to the driver may include at least one of anaudible, visual, kinesthetic, or olfactory alert; the intensity of analert notification to the driver may be altered in response to theseverity of an alert condition; and the intensity of an alertnotification may be altered in response to the ambient conditions of thedriver's environment.
 11. The method of claim 10 wherein a speedreduction of the vehicle may be forced according to an alert condition.12. A system for speed reduction, alerting, and logging for a motorvehicle, comprising: a GPS device that provides the geographic locationof the vehicle; a speed detector that provides the current speed of thevehicle; a speed limit database management system that provides thelegal speed limits of roads within a geographic region; a speed limitindicator that provides the driver of the vehicle with the speed limitof the current road segment being traversed; a speed alerter thatnotifies the driver of an alert condition; a control unit that collectsthe current geographic location data of the vehicle from the GPS device,collects the local weather conditions, queries the speed limit databasemanagement system for the current speed limit of the segment of the roadthe vehicle is traveling on, provides the driver with the current speedlimit through the speed limit indicator, collects the current speed ofthe vehicle from the speed detector, and optionally activates the speedalerter; and wherein speed thresholds for determining alert conditionsare set relative to the legal limits at corresponding locations and maybe automatically varied according to local weather conditions.
 13. Thesystem of claim 12 wherein: speed thresholds for determining alertconditions may be adjusted according to the type of vehicle; speedthresholds for determining alert conditions may be adjusted according tothe time of day, day of the week, or date; and an adjusted speed limitindication is provided based on the vehicle type, the time of day, theday of the week, the date, and local weather conditions.
 14. The systemof claim 13 wherein an alert condition may be deferred for a temporaryperiod of time.
 15. The system of claim 14 wherein: an alertnotification provided to the driver may include at least one of anaudible, visual, kinesthetic, or olfactory alert; the intensity of analert notification to the driver may be altered in response to theseverity of an alert condition; and the intensity of an alertnotification may be altered in response to the ambient conditions of thedriver's environment.
 16. The system of claim 15 wherein: a speedreduction of the vehicle may be forced according to an alert condition.17. The system of claim 12 wherein the control unit records speedingdata into a speed limit violation logger which tracks, records, andindexes information about alert conditions and can be accessed toexamine the driver's driving behavior.
 18. The system of claim 17wherein a log of alert conditions is transferred to an organization byway of a communications link.
 19. The system of claim 17 whereinlocations of alert conditions are logged by said speed limit violationlogger and made available by means of a map display where alertlocations are marked on the map along with information representing oneor more attributes regarding the alert conditions.
 20. The system ofclaim 19 wherein: speed thresholds for determining alert conditions maybe adjusted according to the type of vehicle; speed thresholds fordetermining alert conditions may be adjusted according to the time ofday, day of the week, or date; and the speed limit indicator provides anadjusted speed limit based on the vehicle type, the time of day, the dayof the week, the date, and local weather conditions.
 21. The system ofclaim 20 wherein an alert condition may be deferred for a temporaryperiod of time.
 22. The system of claim 21 wherein: an alertnotification provided to the driver may include at least one of anaudible, visual, kinesthetic, or olfactory alert; the intensity of analert notification to the driver may be altered in response to theseverity of an alert condition; and the intensity of an alertnotification may be altered in response to the ambient conditions of thedriver's environment.
 23. The system of claim 22 wherein: a speedreduction of the vehicle may be forced according to an alert condition.